Clamp-down on grant defraudsters

This hotline was launched to uncover people who are receiving government grants unnecessarily, and according to MEC Seaparo Sekoati, even people suffering from TB are not supposed to receive a grant.

Sekoati said the provision of social security grants remains government’s most effective poverty alleviation programme. Currently, Limpopo is providing social security grants to 1,3 million beneficiaries at an amount of R516 million monthly, which translates into R6, 2 billion per annum.

He said these grants are exceptionally well targeted and include an old-age grant of R740, a disability grant of R740, a child support grant of R170, a foster care grant of R530, a war veteran’s grant of R758, and a care dependency grant of R740.

“These social grants must reach all the deserving beneficiaries in order to improve their lives. The integrity of the system and its efficiency will have to be improved. The agency will remain an extension of government’s service delivery arm, charged with the administration of grants to the poorest of the poor in a more dignified and morally acceptable manner,” he said.

According to him, many of the fraudsters are working in government departments. “The toll-free national social security fraud hotline to report fraud and corruption that we are launching is in line with government’s integrated corruption management information system,” he said.

“The aim of this system is to improve the efficiency and follow–up of the reporting of corruption,” said Sekoati. The toll-free number is 0800 60 10 11 and the e-mail address: [email protected]. The free call fax service number is 0800 61 10 1.

“These facilities are manned by 24 trained call centre operators, seven days a week, and can handle calls in all official languages.

News - Date: 17 December 2004

Godfrey Mandiwana

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